Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi
I recently bought new lotocones and AVO rear damper inserts for a Plus2. The nut on the end of the damper spindle has a shoulder that I assume should fit into the lotocone to centalize it, but its slightly too big. Anyone know if this is a common issue, and is the solution to enlarge the hole? I haven't removed the old parts from the car yet, so can't compare them, but I know i currently have a castellated nut and split pin that won't be interchangeable with the AVO insert.
Thanks
Steve

Hi

If the clearance issue isn't much I'd take some metal off the shoulder of the nut rather than alter the lotocone.

if you're in no hurry I've loads of castellated nuts (does affect the way I walk) and I might have 2 you need but I'd need the exact dimensions and the thread type/size.

if I've got some you can have them for free if you pay the postage costs.

regards

john

Steve,

My new lotocones had excess rubber, which I think was where the nut should fit, but not sure now.

It might be worth checking, as if I remember correctly the whole thing was painted black and I could not tell where rubber finished and steel started.

Richard Hawkins

I am doing exactly the same job only to replace the rear springs and lotocones on my 71 sprint.
There is plenty on clearance for the step on the castelated nut to be located. may be I am lucky with the new parts.
A question while we are on the subject. the bolts that hold the lotocones do they have a 2.5mm thick head?

Graeme

Hi Graeme
The original bolts installed by Lotus had the thin head, I presume for clearance with the spring top plate. With the small diameter springs I use hex socket headed cap screws as you can remove and fit them more easily

cheers
Rohan

Rohan I have replicated the originals including a small centre hole in the head incase I need to drill them out...again... in the future.

I had the same issue originally with my Elan many many years ago as it was an English import also !!. Plenty of antosieze and you should be Ok in Australia

Yes plenty of a good grease helps, Surprisingly the entire chassis was sprayed years ago with an under body sealer and some areas have surface corrosion mainly from heat, Lotocone bolts on the other hand...
Does any one else have this type of bolt head. The one on the right is a factory original.

Many thanks for the quick replies, and to John for the offer of nuts! I can't use a castellated nut though, because the AVO dampers are adjustable via a small screw at the end of the spindle and therefore not drilled for a split pin. The nuts supplied are nylock type nuts and i'll file the shoulder down a bit - it doesn't need much metal removing. It may be that tightening the nut would force it into the lotocone, but given where it is i'd never really know if had had gone in fully and centrally, so want to get it fitting well beforehand.

Regarding the lotocone mounting bolts, I bought some new ones from Sue Miller, anticipating trouble getting the old ones out. They have full size heads, and Sue was aware of the difference and commented that they don't seem to interfere with anything else. I won't be doing the job for a few weeks so can't comment further.
Regards
Steve